As summer comes to a close it’s time to start thinking about reviving your fall workplace wardrobe with new items that are both on trend and practical for the workplace.

For starters, pattern mixing is a classic yet semi-daring trend that has its place both on the catwalk and in the conference room. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what types of patterns to mix with different pieces of your ensemble, but when you have the right combo, an outfit can go from good to great.

For classic patterns I usually mix stripes, polka dots, and floral print. These particular prints can be found at any Goodwill store in every type of clothing – pants, blazers, shirts…you name it. Also, they typically come in ageless color palettes like black and white, making them easier to mix together.

In fact, black and white prints are my most go-to mixing combination. For example in this look I am wearing black printed leopard skinny jeans with striped black & white designer necklace, and tunic. The pattern adds texture and makes the outfit pop which otherwise could have been a more basic outfit. You don’t have to be boring at work!

Another trend that’s easy to add into your office wardrobe, but might not be the first piece you’d think of, is a faux leather skirt. I realized this trend worked well when watching a show on Netflix.  Plus it will keep you warm in the fall and winter.

Just recently I found a faux leather skirt for under $6 at the Gaithersburg, MD location that I plan on wearing this season. I’ll be pairing it with a black button-up, black pumps, and a statement necklace.

Although I’ve only named two trends that are on my radar for the upcoming season, there are many others to incorporate into your every day looks as well. Platform heels, pattered blazers – the options are endless. And they can all be found at Goodwill!

And let’s not forget about men’s 2016 fall work-wear, either.

When thinking about DC men’s work fashion, it’s hard to think of items that aren’t business suits and patterned neck ties. However, through Goodwill, any man (or woman) can always experiment with other types of clothing and accessories while staying relatively conservative without breaking the bank.

There truly is something powerful about a nice pair of shades. Whether they’re a pair of aviators or classic wayfarers, which I’ve found an assortment of Ray Bans and Tom Fords at Goodwill, sunnies will always bring a touch of suave to a what could-be plain and DC-style-political look.

And while the fall season is the perfect time to revive your wardrobe, it’s also a good time to give a little bit back to your community and help fellow DC area residents build their workplace closets as well. For some in our community, it may very well be their first time ever having to shop for professional attire.

So it’s important to keep in mind that every dollar spent at Goodwill helps to fuel the Good Samaritan voucher program in addition to Goodwill’s job training programs. Through the Good Samaritan program Goodwill provides charities and individuals in need, including many of our own students, with vouchers that are redeemable for clothing and shoes.

So why just pay full retail for office wear when you can spice up your workplace wardrobe with the added bonus of helping others jump start their own careers? That’s the benefit of shopping at Goodwill!

Interested in reading more about fashion and style trends?  Follow me to the DC Goodwill Fashion Blog! [LINK] It offers fashion at your fingertips!